ai4bharat/Pralekha huggingface dataset:
Ministry of Statistics & Programme Implementation
Workshop and Quiz Competition organized by National Statistical Office , Field Operations Division, Ministry of Statistics and Program Implementation, Sub-Regional Office, Government of India, Rajkot
Sub-regional Office of Field Operations Division, National Statistical Office , Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation, Government of India, Rajkot organised workshop and quiz competition on 24th February 2023 under the able guidance of Shri S K Bhanawat, Dy. DG & Regional head of RO, NSO, Ahmedabad in Rajkot in association with Saurashtra University. This event was intended to enlighten the students about various facets of Indian Official Statistical System and promote awareness about NSO and its’ activities. Around 95 students along with 10 faculty members from the Saurashtra University including its’ affiliated colleges participated in the event which was held in the Seminar Hall, Dept. of Statistics, Saurashtra University.
After the welcome address by Shri Chandan Kumar Gupta, Senior Statistical Officer the event was inaugurated by the Chief Guest Dr. Girish Bhimani, Vice Chancellor, Saurashtra University by lighting of lamp. In his inaugural address Dr. Bhimani motivated the students to give emphasis on learning. Shri J S Honrao, Deputy Director of the Regional Office, Ahmedabad in his address highlighted the importance of official statistics in the policy formulations. Dr. Kishore Atkotiya, HOD, Department of Statistics, Dr. Naveen R Shah, HOD, Department of Economics and Dr. Khyati Mehta, HOD , Kotak Science College, Rajkot also participated in the event. Shri T I Trivedi, Senior Statistical Officer & Incharge of the Sub-regional Office, Rajkot along with other officials of NSO also participated in the event. Senior Statistical Officer Smt. Bhawna Joshi presented about the various surveys of NSS.
The quiz was conducted by Senior Statistical Officers Shri Jimit Pandya and Shri Akshat Yagnic. Team comprising Mr. Rathod Haardik Ramesh & Mr. Parmar Haardik Bahadur from Department of Economics, Saurashtra University stood as winner of the quiz competition. Team comprising Mr. Parmar Hetal Ashokbhai & Mr. Akotar Rinkal V from Department of Economics, Saurashtra University and team comprising Mr. Gondaliya Janak & Mr. Rathod Hiren K from Department of Economics, Saurashtra University stood as Second and Third respectively. These students were awarded with exciting prizes. Other students who participated in the Quiz were given certificate of participation.
GP
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Ministry of Labour & Employment
No Change in The Threshold of 20 or more Employees under the EPF & MP Act
Ministry of Labour and Employment denies the media reports published in some newspapers today that the applicability threshold has been brought down from present establishment with 20 or more employees to 10 or more employees for the purpose of application of Employees Provident Fund and Miscellaneous Provisions Act 1952 . The reports say that new rules of Employees Provident Fund will apply from January 01, 2020 and under the new rules establishments having 10 or more employees will be covered under the said Act.
It is clarified that there is no change in the threshold for application of the EPF & MP Act and there is no such proposal in the Ministry at present.
Vice President's Secretariat
Vice President seeks cooperation of political parties for smooth functioning of the Rajya Sabha
The Vice President of India and the Chairman of Rajya Sabha, Shri M. Venkaiah Naidu has sought the support of all political parties for smooth functioning of the House.
At a luncheon meet, Shri Naidu hosted at his residence to the Floor Leaders in Rajya Sabha on the opening day of the session, here today, he called upon them to accord top priority for fulfilling people’s aspirations.
Stressing the need for all members to always uphold the dignity and decorum of the House and adopt the best parliamentary practices and traditions, he said Rajya Sabha must act as a role model to all legislatures in the country.
Referring to the recent elections and the mandate given by the people, the Vice President said the time has come for all parties to keep aside their political differences and strive for building a New India.
Shri Naidu said that the Government, opposition and representatives of all parties must have a healthy dialogue on important issues including passage of bills.
The Deputy Chairman of Rajya Sabha, Shri Harivansh, the Leader of the House, Shri Thawarchand Gehlot, the Leader of the Opposition, Shri Gulam Nabi Azad, the Minister for Defence, Shri Rajnath Singh, the Minister for Parliamentary Affairs, Shri Prahlad Joshi, the Union Minister for Railways, Shri Piyush Goyal, the Minister for Minority Affairs, Shri Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi, the Minister for Petroleum & Natural Gas, Shri Dharmendra Pradhan, the Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Shri Prakash Javadekar, the Minister of State  of the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, Shri Hardeep Singh Puri, and the Minister of State for Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment, Shri Ramdas Athawale were present.
The floor leaders who attended the luncheon include, Shri A. Navaneethakrishnan , Shri Derek O'Brien, , Shri Prasanna Acharya, , Shri R.C.P. Singh, , Shri Y.S. Chowdary , Dr. K. Keshava Rao , Shri T.K. Rangarajan , Shri Prem Chand Gupta, , Shri Tiruchi Shiva, , Shri Sanjay Raut , Shri Ram Kumar Kashyap, INLD, Sardar Sukhdev Singh Dhindsa, , Shri Sanjay Singh, , Shri V. Vijayasai Reddy,  and Shri D. Raja .
Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas
Cabinet approves filling of Padur Strategic Petroleum Reserves
The Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has approved the filling of Padur Strategic Petroleum Reserves at Padur, Karnataka by overseas National Oil Companies . The SPR facility at Padur is an underground rock cavern with a total capacity of 2.5 million metric tonnes  having four compartments of 0.625 MMT each. The filling of the SPR under PPP model is being undertaken to reduce budgetary support of Government of India.
The Indian Strategic Petroleum Reserves Ltd.  has constructed and commissioned underground rock caverns for storage of total 5.33 MMT of crude oil at three locations namely Vishakhapatnam , Mangalore  and Padur . The total 5.33 MMT capacity under Phase-I of the SPR programme is currently estimated to supply approximately 9.5 days of India’s crude requirement according to the consumption data for FY 2017-18. Government has given ‘in principle’ approval in June 2018 for establishing additional 6.5 MMT SPR facilities at Chandikhol in Odisha and Padur in Karnataka, which is expected to augment India’s energy security by 11.5 days according the consumption data for FY 2017-18.
Ministry of Finance
GST leads to Formalization of Economy and Widening of Tax Base
Historic tax reform, the Goods and Service Tax , has resulted in formalization of economy and consequently information flow would eventually augment not only the Indirect Tax collections but also Direct Tax collections. In the past, the Centre had little data on small manufacturers and consumption because the excise was imposed only at the manufacturing stage while the States had little data on the activities of local firms outside their borders. Under the GST, there will be now seamless flow of availability of common set of data to both the Centre and the States making Direct and Indirect Tax collections more effective.
There are early signs of tax base expansion. Between June and July 2017, 6.6 lakh new agents, previously outside the tax net, sought GST registration. This is expected to rise consistently as the incentives for formalization increase. Entire Textile chain is now brought under tax net. Further, a segment of land and real estate transactions has also been brought into tax net “works contracts”, referring to housing that is being built. This in turn would allow for greater transparency and formalization of cement, steel and other sales which earlier tended to be outside the tax net. The formalization will occur because builder will need documentation of these input purchases to claim tax credit.
The introduction of GST, a common Indirect Tax for both the States as well as the Central Government with its end to end digitization of all processes, is the biggest reform measure which is already creating more jobs in formal sector and eliminating transactions which are not recorded earlier in the books of accounts and thus, were outside the tax net so far. GST is designed to bring about better tax compliance and transparency in tax system. It is putting a premium on honesty. It would make increasingly difficult for those  to remain outside the tax net.
A number of procedural changes have also been made since the roll-out of GST on 1st July, 2017 in order to simplify the processes. An extensive exercise was undertaken for tax payers education and facilitation by way of knowledge sharing, dissemination of information and replies to FAQs among others. Further, steps are also being undertaken for further simplification in order to facilitate the tax payers and to extend benefit to the customers.
Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions
UK Minister for Security, Mr Tom Tugendhat holds 'bilateral' with his counterpart Minister from India, Dr Jitendra Singh, on the sidelines of G20 Ministerial Meet in Kolkata; he is accompanied by a high-level British Govt delegation
The two leaders reaffirm closer cooperation
India’s G20 Presidency will give political impetus to the ongoing momentum of facilitating international collaboration and enhancing accountability in the fight against corruption, says Dr Jitendra Singh
“PM Modi has reiterated India has strict policy of zero tolerance against corruption”: Dr Jitendra Singh
United Kingdom Minister for Security, Mr. Tom Tugendhat called on his counterpart Minister from India, Dr. Jitendra Singh and held a "bilateral" meeting on the sidelines of the G20 Anti-Corruption Ministerial Meet being held in Kolkata. He was accompanied by a high-level British Government delegation and reaffirmed closer cooperation with India.
Stating that both countries are striving to create a more transparent and corruption-free society, Dr Jitendra Singh said Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has reiterated that India has a strict policy of zero tolerance against corruption.
Dr Jitendra Singh also called for wider cooperation between the two countries in sharing Information and Communication Technology  innovations, promoting cross-sector cooperation and forging partnerships to prevent and combat corruption.
Mr. Tugendhat renewed the UK’s offer that India, being a signatory to the United Nations Convention Against Corruption , also implement Article 16 of UNCAC that deals with bribery of foreign public officials . He also called upon India to sign the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development  Convention on Combating Bribery of Foreign Public Officials in International Business Transactions, also known as OECD Anti-Bribery Convention of which Britain is a member.
Dr Jitendra Singh stated that India has already ratified the UNCAC.
“On December 1, 2022, India, led by PM Modi, assumed the G20 presidency amidst global crises. Embracing India’s message of "Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam," both developed and emerging economies of G20 have come together for sharing responsibilities in tackling critical global issues like fighting corruption,” he said.
Dr Jitendra Singh said steps have been taken to ensure transparency and accountability in the functioning of the government. This includes the adoption of e-governance, implementation of the Aadhaar system for direct benefit transfer, procurement reforms and citizen charters in public offices.
Dr Jitendra Singh said India actively participates in the G20 Anti-Corruption Working Group  forum and related joint meetings.
“Under India's leadership, the G20 ACWG has achieved significant milestones, including the adoption of three sets of High-Level Principles and hosting three successful Working Group Meetings. This will give political impetus to the ongoing momentum of facilitating international collaboration and enhancing accountability in the fight against corruption,” he said.
Ministry of Defence
LAUNCH OF SECOND ACTCM BARGE, YARD 126  AT M/S SURYADIPTA PROJECTS PVT LTD, THANE
Ammunition Cum Torpedo Cum Missile  Barge, Yard 126  was launched by Cmde Sunil Kaushik, Warship Production Superintendent  on 19 Jul 23 at M/s Suryadipta Projects Pvt Ltd, Thane. With all major and auxiliary equipment/ systems sourced from indigenous manufacturers, this Barge is proud flag bearer of “Make in India” initiative of Ministry of Defence.
Contract for construction of 11 x ACTCM Barge was concluded with M/s Suryadipta Projects Pvt Ltd, Thane, a MSME, in consonance with “Aatmanirbhar Bharat” initiatives of the Government of India. This Barge is being built with a service life of 30 years. The availability of ACTCM Barges will provide impetus to Operational commitments of IN by facilitating Transportation, Embarkation and Disembarkation of articles / ammunition to IN Ships both alongside jetties and at outer harbours.
The launch and delivery of two Ammunition Barges to the Indian Navy in the past two months  by two MSME Shipyards – M/s SECON and M/s Suryadipta situated on the east and the west coast of the country has exhibited Indian Navy’s commitment to support MSME industry and strengthen Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative of the Government of India.
Ministry of Finance
Rs 99,756 crore disputed tax amount settled under Vivad Se Vishwas scheme
The scheme ‘Vivad Se Vishwas’ is a voluntary scheme for resolving pending direct tax disputes amicably with the taxpayers and no targets were fixed by the Government under the Scheme. This was stated by Union Minister of State for Finance Shri Pankaj Chaudhary in a written reply to a question in Lok Sabha today.
Giving more details, the Minister tabled data of cases settled and amount under the said scheme is as per table given below: -
|
|
Current Status declarations filed under Vivad Se Vishwas Scheme
|
|
Count of Form-1 Filed

|
|
Number of Disputes Addressed
|
|
Disputed Tax Amount Settled (as per Declaration
filed) 
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|
Payments against Disputed Tax (Rs.
Crores)
|
|
A
|
|
B
|
|
C
|
|
D
|
|
1,32,353
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|
1,46,701
|
|
99,756
|
|
53,684
Ministry of Power
Hydropower Potential from Major/Medium Schemes is about 133.4GW: Shri R. K. Singh, Union Power & NRE Minister
The Government, in 2013, had constituted a Committee under Central Electricity Authority  with members from Central Water Commission , Geological Survey of India , Survey of India , National Remote Sensing Agency , Ministry of Environment, Forest & Climate Change  for finalizing the Terms of Reference  regarding basin-wise reassessment of hydroelectric potential in the country. The reassessment study was carried out by CEA during the period 2017-23. As per the study, the assessed hydropower potential from major / medium schemes  is about 133.4 GW. The state wise details are enclosed at Annexure.
The hydro projects are mainly located in the hilly terrains, where the incidence of natural calamities like floods sometimes cause damage to the temporary structures like coffer dam, protection wall, etc. and thereby delay the project. Also, due to floods, the roads / bridges may get damaged, which further delay the supply of materials to the project sites and affects its commissioning schedule.
ANNEXURE
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State-wise Potential of Large Hydro Power
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|

|
|
Region/ State
|
|
Identified Potential 

|
|
NORTHERN
|
|
|
|
Jammu & Kashmir
|
|
12265
|
|
Ladakh
|
|
707
|
|
Himachal Pradesh
|
|
18305
|
|
Punjab
|
|
1301
|
|
Haryana
|
|
0
|
|
Rajasthan
|
|
411
|
|
Uttarakhand
|
|
13481
|
|
Uttar Pradesh
|
|
502
|
|
Sub Total 
|
|
46971
|
|
WESTERN
|
|
|
|
Madhya Pradesh
|
|
2819
|
|
Chhattisgarh
|
|
1311
|
|
Gujarat
|
|
550
|
|
Maharashtra
|
|
3144
|
|
Goa
|
|
0
|
|
Sub total 
|
|
7824
|
|
SOUTHERN
|
|
|
|
Andhra Pradesh
|
|
2596
|
|
Telangana
|
|
1302
|
|
Karnataka
|
|
4414
|
|
Kerala
|
|
2473
|
|
Tamil Nadu
|
|
1785
|
|
Sub Total 
|
|
12570
|
|
EASTERN
|
|
|
|
Jharkhand
|
|
300
|
|
Bihar
|
|
130
|
|
Odisha
|
|
2825
|
|
West Bengal
|
|
809
|
|
Sikkim
|
|
6051
|
|
Sub Total 
|
|
10115
|
|
NORTH EASTERN
|
|
|
|
Meghalaya
|
|
2026
|
|
Tripura
|
|
0
|
|
Manipur
|
|
615
|
|
Assam
|
|
643
|
|
Nagaland
|
|
325
|
|
Arunachal Pradesh
|
|
50394
|
|
Mizoram
|
|
1927
|
|
Sub Total 
|
|
55930
|
|
ALL INDIA
|
|
133410
This information was given by The Union Minister of New Renewable Energy & Power Sh. R. K. Singh in Lok Sabha in a written reply today.
Cabinet
Cabinet approves inclusion of Common Services Centres under MEITY as Enrolment Agency for PM-SYM
The Union Cabinet, chaired by the Prime Minister Narendra Modi has approved inclusion of Common Service Centres  under MeitY as an enrolment agency, and permitting bulk deposits by other Ministries / Departments / Welfare Boards / other agencies of Central and State Governments in lieu subscriber’s share.
Benefits:
The approval will enable workers in the Unorganized Sector, to get social security in the form of monthly pension of Rs. 3,000/- on attaining the age of 60 years.
Ministry of Home Affairs
Union Home and Cooperation Minister Shri Amit Shah condoles the demise of famous playback singer Bharat Ratna Sushree Lata Mangeshkar
A synonym of melody and music, Lata Didi, with her melodious and mesmerizing voice, brought joy to the lives of every generation, not only in India, but also throughout the world
It is not possible to put into words her contribution to the music world, her death is a personal loss for me
I consider myself fortunate that from time to time I received the affection and blessings of Lata Didi
With her incomparable patriotism, gentle and sweet speech, she will always be amongst us; I express my condolences to her family and innumerable fans
Union Home and Cooperation Minister Shri Amit Shah has condoled the passing away of famous playback singer, Bharat Ratna Sushree Lata Mangeshkar.
In his tweets, Shri Amit Shah said that “A synonym of melody and music, Lata Didi, with her melodious and mesmerizing voice, brought joy to the lives of every generation, not only in India, but also throughout the world. It is not possible to put into words her contribution to the music world, her death is a personal loss for me.”
The Union Home Minister said that “I consider myself fortunate that from time to time I received the affection and blessings of Lata Didi. With her incomparable patriotism, gentle and sweet speech, she will always be amongst us; I express my condolences to her family and innumerable fans.”
Prime Minister's Office
PM greets people on Ram Navami
The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi has greeted the people, on the auspicious occasion of Ram Navami.
“रामनवमी के पावन अवसर पर समस्त देशवासियों को हार्दिक शुभकामनाएं। जय श्रीराम!”, the Prime Minister said.
Special Service and Features
“Awareness and Cleaning Campaign” at, Arikamedu Archaeological Site of India
As a part of Swachhata Pakhwada, the Southern Regional Office, Ministry of Tourism, Government of India in co-ordination With Puducherry Tourism Development Corporation, Hotel Management Institute & Stakeholders organized an “Awareness and Cleaning Campaign” at, Arikamedu Archaeological Site of India on 22nd September 2022 @ 6.00 AM.
Around 75 participants had undertaken the pledge for Swachhata Pakhwada, to ensure a Cleaner and Greener environment. The cleaning activities were carried in and around at Arikamedu Archaeological Site of India from 6.00 AM to 9.00 AM.
The collected garbages were handed over to the Swachh Bharat Mission local Panchayat to recycle and dispose it as per the guidelines.
The participants were handed over with Certificates. For spreading awareness among public, the placards with slogans on banning of Single Use Plastics / standees and Banners were displayed.
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Ministry of Culture
Union Minister Shri Anurag Thakur attends Madhavpur Ghed Festival
Current and future generations must connect with cultural roots
Unprecedented development in North East under PM Narendra Modi: Shri Thakur
Union Minister of Information and Broadcasting Shri Anurag Thakur today attended the third day of the four-day 'Madhavpur Ghed Fair' in Gujarat. The event was also attended by Shri N Biren Singh, Chief Minister of Manipur and Ministers of Government of Gujrat.
Addressing the audience on the occasion the Minister said Madhavpur Ghed Festival is highest symbol of connecting people of India and the festival brings together the far east of the country and the west. Speaking on the developmental work being carried out in the States of north-east Shri Thakur said Look East Policy has become Act East Policy only under the current Government and north eastern states of India have since seen unprecedented development in infrastructure and facilities.
Shri Thakur said that the Government under Prime Minister Narendra Modi has actively worked towards reviving India's lost cultural heritage and it is under the Prime Minister that Kedarnathji Temple has seen a grand upliftment on the one hand while grandeur of Somnath temple has achieved new highs on the other. The Minister extolled the work done by the Union Government on Kashi Vishwanath Corridor, construction of Ram Temple and beautification of Char Dham.
The Minister said that while India gained political independence in 1947, cultural independence was not achieved and it is only in 2014 that cultural nationalism became a crucial part of political discourse. The Minister exhorted the current and future generations to connect with their cultural roots and said it was our responsibility that stories from our cultural legacy are propagated among the masses.
The Minister recalled his recent visit to Abu Dhabi and said it was because of the harmonious relations established under the Prime Minister that a Gulf country will now be home to a grand Swami Naranyan Temple.
Shri Anurag Thakur promised that Ministry of I&B along with its media units will promote the festival and add to its magnificence.
The Madhavpur Ghed Festival is being held from 10th to 13th April 2022. The festival was inaugurated by the President of India and is being organised by Government of Gujarat in partnership with Ministry of Culture and Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region.
Saurabh Singh
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